February 14, 2018 3.16 pm This story is over 86 months old

She said yes! Special Valentine’s Day proposal at Lincoln shopping centre

Waterside Shopping Centre, Goldsmiths and The Lincolnite played Cupid for the day.

The Waterside Centre, Goldsmiths and The Lincolnite played Cupid today, providing the perfect proposal package for one romantic Lincoln gentleman.

The shopping centre helped Mark Kearn, 31, from Welton propose to his partner Emma Roose.

Mark entered the centre’s competition with The Lincolnite to win a £1,250 diamond engagement ring set in 18 carat white gold from Goldsmiths.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

An unsuspecting Emma met mark in the Waterside Shopping Centre on February 14 ahead of a lunch date.

To her surprise, Mark’s proposal was displayed on the giant screen and as she read it, he dropped to one knee to pop the question.

Mark met Emma in 2012 when he delivered parcels for a courier company. Emma was a receptionist at a business he visited daily and they became friends.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

However, Emma was in a relationship and Mark was recovering from breaking up with his previous partner.

Three years after their first meeting, following Emma’s relationship coming to an end, they arranged to go on their first date.

Mark said: “We sat across the table from each other on Valentine’s Day and it cemented all my feelings for her.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“I began to realise that things happen for a reason, and that fate or destiny had other plans for me all along.

“Although our story might not be as romantic as some, I feel it’s a story of how two families came together to form a brand new one.

“Not only have I gained the most wonderful life partner and soul mate, but I gained a wonderful step-son who I love with all my heart.

“I learnt that family is not defined by genes, but it is maintained by love.”

Emma and Mark had a daughter at the end of 2017, completing their ‘blended’ family.

Waterside Shopping Centre’s General Manager, Dean Cross, who put together the proposal package, said: “Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, and as well as helping shoppers find the ideal gift, we wanted to make it extra special for one couple looking to tie the knot.

“We had a brilliant response to the competition but Mark’s story pulled our heartstrings and we’re delighted to have been able to help him pop the question.”